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Walter Buller
03-11-2008 21:25:29
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Re: Chain saw opinions? Please Help! in reply to Alex-41JDb, 03-10-2008 12:19:58
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I never could find a good deal on a chainsaw on ebay. The prices went too high, plus you have no real idea what you're getting. I'm 58 years old, been using a chainsaw since before I could walk. Back then we had a real heavy Sears Craftsman, all steel, 20" bar, made by Poulan. It's now about 50 years old and will run if you remove the spark plug, pour a little gasoline and oil mixture, 16 to 1, into the combustion chamber and then pull the starter cord. It runs until the gas is all used up then quits. During all those years we never used two-cycle oil in the gas, only non-detergent 30 wt. motor oil. When I finally decided to get another chainsaw, I talked to professional lumberjacks first. They all said either the Husqvarna or the Stihl, preferably the Husky for most. So one day in a pawn shop I saw a 268 Husky with a 24" bar, barely used, for $300. I cranked it, listened to it, checked it out. I think new ones then were selling for about $700. That was about 15 years and no telling how many scores of cords ago. We heat our house with wood just as we have done for most of my life. I love that saw, and recently bought it a mate, a Husky 365, almost the identical saw, also with a 24 " bar, at another pawn shop, for another $300. City fellers think my saws are huge. I suppose they are when compared to the typical throw away varieties like McCullough, Poulan, Sears, Homelite and so forth. All these brands were once excellent saws, but no more. My Huskies are not so big to me because I remember how heavy that old Sears saw was. And they are the perfect size: small enough to hold overhead while trimming branches(be careful), yet large enough to fell and cut up a 48" diameter tree. Keep your chain sharp, your bars chain slots clean, your gas to oil ratio a little richer than called for(about 35-40 to 1 instead of 50 to 1, and your left arm(assuming you're right handed), tensed and almost stiff while using a chainsaw so as to minimize kickback. Wear heavy clothing, eye and ear protection, thick leather boots, and watch for pinch points and remember to clean your saw after each use.
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